2024 deadliest year for Journalists worldwide, Sub-Saharan Africa worst hit
By Samuel Ogunsona
A record number of journalists were killed worldwide in 2024, making it the deadliest year for media actors since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) started keeping records over three decades ago, according to CPJ in a report sent to Irohinoodua.
At least 124 journalists across 18 countries lost their lives last year, with sub-Saharan Africa being the worst-hit region as revealed in a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) obtained by Irohinoodua.
Among the journalists killed in sub-Saharan Africa was 30-year-old Mozambican blogger and musician Albino Sibia, also known as Mano Shottas.
Sibia ran two Facebook pages where he reported on local issues such as crime and poor infrastructure. In the weeks leading up to his death, he covered protests in the wake of Mozambique’s elections, which the ruling Frelimo party won.
On December 12, 2024, Sibia was shot twice in the back by a police officer while filming police actions against protestors over potential water contamination.
His final words were streamed live on Facebook: “Help. I got shot and they keep shooting…I am dying.”
José Chilenge, a protestor, witnessed the incident and told CPJ that the officer had ordered Sibia to stop filming, but the blogger persisted.
Sibia’s death is symptomatic of the deteriorating conditions for journalists in Mozambique since the disputed October 2024 elections. During his funeral, police shot at a group of journalists, injuring one of them, Pedro Júnior.
Another journalist, Arlindo Chissale, has been missing in the restive northern province of Cabo Delgado since January 7.
“Mozambican journalists have paid a heavy price reporting the news amid unrest and a post-election crisis,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo.
“Authorities should ensure accountability in the murder of Albino Sibia and the attack on Pedro Júnior, and credibly investigate Arlindo Chissale’s disappearance.”
The CPJ report highlights the growing risks faced by journalists worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
The organization has called on governments to take urgent action to protect journalists and ensure accountability for those who attack them.
